Hoboken Expands Municipal Composting Program

Got compost you want to get rid of, Hoboken residents?

The City of Hoboken is partnering with the Community Compost Company to expand its residential composting program.

According to a release, the city will offer residential pickup service of organic waste, in addition to “drop spots” at three locations in Hoboken on Saturdays starting in June, where residents can bring their separated food scraps and other organic materials for free.

Residents may bring their materials in any containers they choose, however garbage bags and non-compostable refuse will not be accepted. Residents can visit the CCC website to sign up for pick-up service or to get more information about drop spot locations and timing. Businesses and organizations interested in composting should email info@communitycompostco.com to discuss services.

Accoridng to a release, garbage from Hoboken is transported to a landfill in West Virginia and tipping fees alone cost $100 per ton of waste. Separating organic materials for composting is an easy way to divert waste from the landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to helping Hoboken save money by cutting down on landfill fees and the volume and frequency of garbage collection.

“Hoboken is proud to be a leader in sustainability with the first residential composting program in Hudson County and one of the first in New Jersey,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, composting could save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. While it costs us $100 per ton to dispose of trash in a landfill, it would only cost about $40 per ton to dispose our food waste at a composting facility. We especially look forward to partnering with schools, food establishments, and larger apartment buildings to address our largest sources of food waste.”

Send Hoboken news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com